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tfincham86
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Anny reapp who would has got an interview call yet......
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Hussain15
A little query. Is your online application status also changed?

Posted from my mobile device

hi Hussain, upon a reqeust to interview at Darden, your online application status will be changed to "Invited to Interview" (or along the lines of that). In addition to that, you'll see further instructions and changes to your online account for scheduling purposes.

Thanks bakfed!!

I am from subcontinent and havn't received the invite yet. Lets see what happens!!

Well, interestingly, I got my promotion email today at work. I am curious that should I inform the Darden Admissions Team regarding this promotion.
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Hussain15
bakfed
Hussain15
A little query. Is your online application status also changed?

Posted from my mobile device

hi Hussain, upon a reqeust to interview at Darden, your online application status will be changed to "Invited to Interview" (or along the lines of that). In addition to that, you'll see further instructions and changes to your online account for scheduling purposes.

Thanks bakfed!!

I am from subcontinent and havn't received the invite yet. Lets see what happens!!

Well, interestingly, I got my promotion email today at work. I am curious that should I inform the Darden Admissions Team regarding this promotion.

Hmm, I'm not sure what the terms are when it comes to informing Darden your promotion. I think if I were you in this case, I'd go ahead and inform Darden. Perhaps this information will push your application over to the invite-list. Perhaps they haven't even read your file yet. But either case, I'd inform them just so I won't have any regret of not informing them and not receiving an invite later on... That's my $0.02 :)
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Darden is the shiznit!
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lol, sweatytofu was a funny nickname my gf used to call me by. kinda gross but i like it lol.

i got an interview invite on monday. several things happened on monday to me:

1. i went to indiana kelley for interview
2. i got accepted into unc kenan flagler <-----great!
3. i got an interview invite for USC Marshall <-----great!
4. i got an interview invite for Darden <-----friggin awesome!!!!!!

I almost gave up hope on an interview. Now, I just need to really practice. Does anyone know if there's a dedicated forum for Virginia interview questions? For people that's already been to an interview, how has this interview been different/unique? Thanks!
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sweatytofu
lol, sweatytofu was a funny nickname my gf used to call me by. kinda gross but i like it lol.

i got an interview invite on monday. several things happened on monday to me:

1. i went to indiana kelley for interview
2. i got accepted into unc kenan flagler <-----great!
3. i got an interview invite for USC Marshall <-----great!
4. i got an interview invite for Darden <-----friggin awesome!!!!!!

I almost gave up hope on an interview. Now, I just need to really practice. Does anyone know if there's a dedicated forum for Virginia interview questions? For people that's already been to an interview, how has this interview been different/unique? Thanks!
Check out these websites. They should be helpful in preparing you for your interview.


https://www.accepted.com/mba/uvadarden.aspx Good overall interview with the Director of Admissions.

https://www.accepted.com/mba/interviews/ ... mit&bhcp=1 Anonymous postings of people's interviews at Darden. Click on each date and read the questions that were asked but in general it will be you selling yourself. "Just be relaxed.... know your story.... be able to explain the why behind various things you have done (college,jobs, etc)"

https://www.businessweek.com/bschools/mb ... 601790.htm Interview with Director of Admissions.

Books:
https://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Into-Top- ... b_title_bk Get this book. It is a must read as it has lots of great information directly from the top schools admissions officers. It also explains how to best package your experience for the program that meets your needs.

https://www.amazon.com/BusinessWeek-Guid ... pd_sim_b_1 This book was very helpful even though it is a few years old. It gives in depth information about each of the top MBA programs. You can get it used for $.01 plus shipping.

The questions have not changed.
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Hey all, I need some advice on how to address my layoff during my upcoming interview at Darden. This layoff coincided almost exactly with Round 2 deadlines for a number of schools, so much so that I chose not to address it at all in my application materials. How should I address the layoff during the interview? I've been reading a few accounts of recent interviews and they seem to be generally a tell your story type format. Should I just mention it at the end of my 'spiel' and briefly describe what I've been doing since then? The other wrinkle is that due to the 'limbo' I'm in now as I await b-school decisions, I have not been actively seeking work since the layoff. I decided it was simply not feasible to seek a new full time position until I know what's happening to me this fall. I have not been completely idle and have upped my volunteering to five days a week at two different organizations. Is there another way I should spin/explain what I've been doing since my layoff? Is explaining the 'limbo' situation sufficient in combination with increased volunteering? Thanks in advance.
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Hey all, I need some advice on how to address my layoff during my upcoming interview at Darden. This layoff coincided almost exactly with Round 2 deadlines for a number of schools, so much so that I chose not to address it at all in my application materials. How should I address the layoff during the interview? I've been reading a few accounts of recent interviews and they seem to be generally a tell your story type format. Should I just mention it at the end of my 'spiel' and briefly describe what I've been doing since then? The other wrinkle is that due to the 'limbo' I'm in now as I await b-school decisions, I have not been actively seeking work since the layoff. I decided it was simply not feasible to seek a new full time position until I know what's happening to me this fall. I have not been completely idle and have upped my volunteering to five days a week at two different organizations. Is there another way I should spin/explain what I've been doing since my layoff? Is explaining the 'limbo' situation sufficient in combination with increased volunteering? Thanks in advance.

I think that as long as the layoff was not due to your incompetency at work, it wouldn't really be seen as that big of a negative. However, if it was at all your fault for this, you should definitely tell the truth and come clean about it. I think in either way, honesty is probably going to be your best friend. Consider this - if you're admitted to Darden and Darden decides to perform a background check on you, calls up your "employer", only to find out that you've been laid off several months ago. That will not turn out well, I can pretty much guarantee you.

If you come clean and this layoff was due to external reasons, and you explain how you've decided to volunteer additional hours of your time, I can't see how this can be seen as negative. This is my take on it and I'm sure others may have other sort of opinions. I personally think honesty in this case would be the best. I'm not saying that you should harp on this subject, but definitely don't just ignore it completely. When your life story gets to that part, you can then discuss about it, what you've learned, and what you've been doing in life instead.
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Right, the whole background check thing means I should definitely address it. The layoff was due to budget cutbacks; about a 100 people at my employer including my whole department were cut.
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ig64
Right, the whole background check thing means I should definitely address it. The layoff was due to budget cutbacks; about a 100 people at my employer including my whole department were cut.

If layoffs happened after application submission deadline, then you can even think of avoiding to discuss more on this topic. Almost all the adcoms say that they do not add any info on file after the deadline... so even the bad ones should not be considered. As far as background check is considered, you would definitely stand true to what you have written in your application..
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plzplzplz
ig64
Right, the whole background check thing means I should definitely address it. The layoff was due to budget cutbacks; about a 100 people at my employer including my whole department were cut.

If layoffs happened after application submission deadline, then you can even think of avoiding to discuss more on this topic. Almost all the adcoms say that they do not add any info on file after the deadline... so even the bad ones should not be considered. As far as background check is considered, you would definitely stand true to what you have written in your application..

I believe what plzplzplz said is true as well. I think all admissions committee can do is verify information that is presented on your application and solely on your application.

But then again, it might just cause some confusion when they call up your recommenders (whom I assume are in your ex-organization). If your recommender spills the bean, then it might lead to unwarranted confusion.
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ig64
Right, the whole background check thing means I should definitely address it. The layoff was due to budget cutbacks; about a 100 people at my employer including my whole department were cut.

If layoffs happened after application submission deadline, then you can even think of avoiding to discuss more on this topic. Almost all the adcoms say that they do not add any info on file after the deadline... so even the bad ones should not be considered. As far as background check is considered, you would definitely stand true to what you have written in your application..

I believe what plzplzplz said is true as well. I think all admissions committee can do is verify information that is presented on your application and solely on your application.

But then again, it might just cause some confusion when they call up your recommenders (whom I assume are in your ex-organization). If your recommender spills the bean, then it might lead to unwarranted confusion.
I am in a similar situation. I took advice from few consultants (online forums). They had a similar view that ad-com wont add any new information on your file. Having said that I would prefer sticking to my app data as long as I do not get a final decision. I am about to join a new job after my interview at another school. Unfortunately, my previous ex was not a job but a business from which I am exiting. So, a job at this point signals opposite goals then what I have mentioned in my essays (I see this update as a negative for my candidacy - in my opinioin ofcourse). But, it is all situational and I have no control over it. So, when ad-com do not want to hear about positive updates after you have submitted the app then why shall we give them something that might harm our chances. They have not asked for updates anywhere and in fact they discourage it to make sure all the applicants are evaluated equally. In my case, I have decided to update them as soon as I get an admit.
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plzplzplz
bakfed
plzplzplz


If layoffs happened after application submission deadline, then you can even think of avoiding to discuss more on this topic. Almost all the adcoms say that they do not add any info on file after the deadline... so even the bad ones should not be considered. As far as background check is considered, you would definitely stand true to what you have written in your application..

I believe what plzplzplz said is true as well. I think all admissions committee can do is verify information that is presented on your application and solely on your application.

But then again, it might just cause some confusion when they call up your recommenders (whom I assume are in your ex-organization). If your recommender spills the bean, then it might lead to unwarranted confusion.
I am in a similar situation. I took advice from few consultants (online forums). They had a similar view that ad-com wont add any new information on your file. Having said that I would prefer sticking to my app data as long as I do not get a final decision. I am about to join a new job after my interview at another school. Unfortunately, my previous ex was not a job but a business from which I am exiting. So, a job at this point signals opposite goals then what I have mentioned in my essays (I see this update as a negative for my candidacy - in my opinioin ofcourse). But, it is all situational and I have no control over it. So, when ad-com do not want to hear about positive updates after you have submitted the app then why shall we give them something that might harm our chances. They have not asked for updates anywhere and in fact they discourage it to make sure all the applicants are evaluated equally. In my case, I have decided to update them as soon as I get an admit.

Thanks for sharing that, plzplzplz!
However, when schools perform a background check on matriculating students, do they check employment records as on the application date? or as on the date of issuing an admit?
The answer to this may have an impact on what details one shares with the admissions office.
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Well, I definitely don't know that. I would definitely assume that it should be as on app submission deadline. And, why not..??
For instance, as on app submission day, I said my current work is Job A or Biz A. I get an admit couple of months later and immediately update them saying now I am in Job B or Biz B. So, I am not misleading or misrepresenting my candidacy.
Take for example, the goals essay. The schools know that a majority of the student body do not stick to what they write on the essays. Most are looking for a career change. I just do not feel that any changes after the application submission deadline should impact our chances (unless one is WLstd). I do not think that this would be considered unethical and must not create any issues during background check. But, it would be great to find out the format of these checks.
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I have a slightly different perspective that may shed light on how admissions views these types of things...

I voluntarily quit my job in early December and am not currently working full time. I'm instead doing lots of volunteering and preparing for a 2 month trip abroad.

In contrast to the other posters however, I made this very clear in the additional information section. I explained how planned to switch careers and didnt see the value of staying in my current job and not being able to fulfill the life of the contract extension offered to me if admitted to Darden.

I received an interview invite and am prepared to discuss this decision during the interview next week. It may also help that my previous boss wrote me a recommendation saying he wanted me to stay.

For me, admissions obviously knows my situation and did not frown upon me not being employed at the time of my interview. i dont know if all situations are the same.
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and plzplzplz - just one guys opinion - but it seems at least borderline unethical or dishonest to not tell them you dont have the job you put on your app anymore as "current"...or I guess I am wondering how you are going to explain or work around that? When you get to that point in your story will you say, "at my current job" - or "i've been with company x for 3 years"...it seems like, youre either going to have to walk a great tightrope or somewhat lie in the interview? Its your choice. For me, its easier to prepare for an important interview knowing Im not trying to hide something.
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and plzplzplz - just one guys opinion - but it seems at least borderline unethical or dishonest to not tell them you dont have the job you put on your app anymore as "current"...or I guess I am wondering how you are going to explain or work around that? When you get to that point in your story will you say, "at my current job" - or "i've been with company x for 3 years"...it seems like, youre either going to have to walk a great tightrope or somewhat lie in the interview? Its your choice. For me, its easier to prepare for an important interview knowing Im not trying to hide something.
You right too. I would say that it depends on situation. In my case nothing substantial happened before the interview of another school.. So, I went ahead with my app strategy (which is different from my career progression through the new job). But, yes if I get an interview from Darden and now that I already have a new job (joining date is yet to be finalised), I would try to stick with my original strategy as long as my joining date at this new job is not far from the interview date (say few days).
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